Who Are the Top 5 Richest WNBA Players?
Ever since its inaugural season in 1997, the WNBA has continued to grow at a rapid pace. Now a multi-million-dollar platform the league has become a highly watched spectacle with fans tuning in from across the globe. While there may still be controversies surrounding the league and it’s pay scheme the women participating in it have surely had their lives turned around. With more money being pumped year after year it’s no surprise to see the league grow annually.
Although their male counterparts in the NBA have larger contracts, the WNBA is no pushover either. With Candance Parker signing the biggest contract in WNBA history in 2020, it won’t be long before this record is surpassed by another talent. While the debate of pay disputes will continue to be on the forefront of every WNBA related matter, let’s take a look at some of the biggest earners in the 27-year history of this prestigious league.
Top 5 highest earners in WNBA history
Breanna Stewart: $3 Million
Starting us off on this list is none other than Seattle’s Breanna Stewart. Although signing with the New York Liberty this off season, Stewart has been a mainstay in the WNBA ever since she was drafted as the 1st overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft. Having earned an annual average salary of $228,000 during her career, it is her endorsements with Nike that gives her a spot on this list. Earning $ 1 million per season from Nike, the power forward has also earned significantly from her oversea stints in China, Russia and Turkey.
Diana Taurasi: $3.5 Million
Considered as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time Diana Taurasi has been a part of the league since 2004. Drafted as the first overall pick Taurasi would have been much higher on the list if she had been drafted in the early 2010s. Boasting an estimated net worth of $3.5 million most of Diana’s earnings come from her endorsements with Body Armour and her deal with Nike to wear LeBron’s signature shoes. With an average salary of $234,936 and a contract until 2025, the number might just grow further.
Brittney Griner: $4 Million
Infamous for her prison sentence in Russia, Brittney Griner is one of the most recognizable WNBA athletes in the world. Despite her imprisonment Griner still makes the list as one of the richest players in the WNBA. One of the tallest-ever players Brittney has made most of her fortunes playing abroad. A common feature in the WNBA Griner was once paid $600,000 to play for a Chinese based team for three months. Add to that her endorsements with Nike and you have an estimated net worth of $4 million.
Candace Parker: $5 Million
Although the exact details of the contract were never disclosed Candace Parker officially signed the biggest deal in WNBA history when signing with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2020. Despite this Parker is still second on the list as she made most of her money through endorsements and her new role as a TV analyst on NBA TV.
Sue Bird: $8 Million
The oldest player on this list it is no surprise that Sue Bird is the highest earning player in the history of the WNBA. Drafted in 2002, Bird has gone on to win 4 WNBA titles with three of them coming in three separate decades. With an estimated salary of $500,000 from various sources, the 13x All-Star also has multiple partnerships with huge brands. Representing the likes of Nike, State Farm and American Express it is no surprise that Sue Bird is the highest earning WNBA athlete of all time.
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